When I read his post and responses, I thought this person has received a lot of misinformation.

So, I wanted to clear a few things up.

SteemIt isn't "sold" as anything. It is a platform where people can earn Steem from "Stake based voting" meaning the more stake you have the more your vote matters.  Some users write marketing type pieces which are just their own opinions.

There is no promise of quality content although the topic comes up a lot.

There is no promise of earning.. comes up a lot.

No agreed upon marketing plan. 

Anything you read that lead you to believe differently was just someone's opinion.

People use their stake in upvotes and downvotes, some others are renting it, some are selling votes, they are using their stake however they choose, others watch and comment, but that is about all there is to it.

How the game is played relies only on you and your stake.   For some this might be a waste of time, some have already become rich and others are on their way, some are using it to supplement their life right now and some are hoping it will pay off in the future.   

Some likely are wasting their time. It takes a certain skill set and or some networking skills.  For instance you should be able to say something interesting in text, or make art or a picture, or write a bot, or make friends..  If you aren't good at any of those things,.. Get creative.   Not all opportunities are a good fit for everyone.

If it feels like a waste of time to you, move on. If it sounds like an opportunity, stay...   

Welcome to SteemIt, I hope you stay.